What it means
The control module monitors the performance of charge-air-cooler coolant pump A when it is commanded to operate. It sets this code when the pump's operation does not meet the expected performance, such as when coolant flow is insufficient.
At a glance
- Usually lights the check-engine light
- Affects emissions; the car can fail an emissions test
How it works
The charge-air cooler pump circulates coolant through the cooler to remove heat from the air entering the engine. The control module checks pump A when it commands the pump to run and sets P026E if its operation or the resulting coolant flow is below expectation.
Common causes
Most likely first.
- Pump motor worn or failed
- Coolant level low or air in the circuit
- Restricted or leaking coolant hose
- Pump wiring or connector fault
Symptoms
- Check-engine light
- Reduced engine power
- Higher intake-air temperature
- Possible engine protection warning
How to diagnose it
- Record freeze-frame data and check live intake-air temperature and any pump command or status data to see when pump A underperformed.
- With the engine cool, check the charge-air-cooler circuit coolant level and look for leaks or signs of trapped air.
- Inspect pump A, its connector, and wiring for damage, corrosion, loose pins, or chafing.
- Check the cooler coolant hoses for kinks, blockage, leaks, or collapse that could restrict flow.
- Command pump A on with a scan tool if supported and check whether it runs and coolant circulates through the circuit.
- If the pump and hoses appear sound, test the pump circuit and pump operation against the manufacturer's specification before replacing parts.
Common fixes
- Top up the correct coolant and bleed air from the circuit using the vehicle's specified procedure.
- Repair or replace a leaking, kinked, or restricted cooler coolant hose.
- Clean and secure the pump A connector or repair damaged wiring.
- Replace charge-air-cooler pump A if it fails to run or circulate coolant when commanded.
Can I keep driving?
Avoid heavy acceleration, towing, and sustained high boost because poor charge-air cooling can raise intake temperatures and reduce engine power. Stop if an engine protection warning appears or power drops sharply; continued high-load driving can worsen overheating or engine protection issues.
A code shows where the control module detected a fault, not always which part failed. Check the causes in order and confirm with a test before replacing parts. Have several codes? Check them together
This is a generic code: it means the same on every make. The car’s maker may add more detail in its own service information.